Key Takeaways
- New Zealand’s annual Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) test will broadcast to all capable phones and SIM‑connected devices between 6 pm and 7 pm on Sunday 14 June.
- The alert overrides silent mode, cannot be opted out of, and is delivered via cell‑tower broadcasting rather than targeting individual handsets.
- Coverage depends on phone make, model, age, and software; all new phones sold in NZ must support EMA, steadily improving reach (historically ~90 % of devices receive the test).
- Individuals with hidden safety phones, or those whose health could be harmed by the sudden loud noise, are advised to switch devices off or enable flight mode during the test window.
- Recipients can silence the alarm by pressing the volume‑down button while keeping the on‑screen message; the alert can later be retrieved from the notification centre (iPhone) or emergency‑alert settings (Samsung).
- Sunday’s test marks the ninth annual EMA exercise and the 67th activation overall, following a busy year in which 66 real alerts were issued.
- The system is managed by roughly 200 authorised users across Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, Health, Primary Industries, and the 16 Civil Defence Emergency Management groups.
- NEMA stresses that the alert is just one tool; the public should also rely on radio, official warnings, and personal “danger sense” to act promptly in emergencies.
Overview of the Upcoming Test
New Zealanders should prepare for their mobile devices to emit a loud, unmistakable alarm this Sunday as part of the nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) system. Scheduled for the evening of 14 June, the test will run from 6 pm to 7 pm and will reach every phone and SIM‑connected device that is technically capable of receiving the signal. The purpose of the exercise is twofold: to verify that the infrastructure is functioning correctly across the country and to keep the public accustomed to the distinctive sound and visual cue that precedes a genuine emergency.
How the Alert Is Delivered
Unlike a traditional text message that is sent to specific phone numbers, the EMA system works by broadcasting a signal to cell towers. When a tower transmits the alert, any compatible handset within its coverage area receives it automatically, regardless of the device’s contact list or user preferences. This tower‑based approach allows authorities to geo‑target messages with precision—down to a single tower if a localized incident requires it—while still achieving nationwide reach when needed.
Opting Out Is Not Possible
John Price, director of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), emphasized that the alert cannot be opted out of, mirroring the reality that individuals cannot choose to ignore a real emergency. “You can’t opt out of an emergency, so you can’t opt out of an alert,” he stated during last year’s behind‑the‑scenes coverage. This design ensures that critical warnings reach as many people as possible, even those who might otherwise silence or ignore notifications.
Device Compatibility and Coverage Trends
Receipt of the alert depends on the handset’s make, model, age, and operating‑system version. Older devices lacking the necessary hardware or software may not display the message, while newer models are guaranteed to support EMA because all new phones sold in New Zealand now must include the capability. Historically, about nine out of ten phones have received the test message, a figure expected to rise as older devices are gradually replaced by compliant models.
Precautions for Sensitive Individuals
NEMA advises certain groups to take preventive steps before the test begins. People who keep a hidden phone for personal safety reasons, or those whose physical or mental health could be adversely affected by the sudden loud noise, should either power off their SIM‑connected devices or switch them to flight mode between 6 pm and 7 pm. This simple action prevents the alarm from sounding while still allowing the device to receive other communications if needed.
Muting the Alarm While Keeping the Message
For those who do receive the alert, NEMA’s top recommendation is to press the volume‑down button on the side of the phone. This action silences the audible alarm but leaves the emergency message displayed on the screen, enabling users to read the information calmly. As Price noted, “This leaves the message on screen for you to read in peace.”
Retrieving the Alert After Dismissal
If the alert is accidentally dismissed, iPhone users can locate it again in the Notification Centre, where recent alerts are archived. Samsung device owners can find the message within the Emergency Alerts section of the phone’s settings. These retrieval options ensure that vital information remains accessible even after the initial notification has been swiped away.
Context: A Year of Frequent Activations
Sunday’s test will be the ninth annual nationwide EMA exercise and, notably, the 67th activation overall. In the preceding 12 months, authorities issued 66 genuine alerts covering a range of hazards—from severe weather events and volcanic activity to public‑health warnings and civil‑defence incidents. This high frequency underscores the system’s importance as a rapid‑response tool and highlights why regular testing is essential to maintain reliability and public familiarity.
Who Operates the System
The EMA platform is overseen by roughly 200 authorised users representing a broad coalition of agencies. Participants include the New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry for Primary Industries, and the country’s 16 Civil Defence Emergency Management groups. This multi‑agency structure ensures that alerts can be issued swiftly for threats ranging from natural disasters to bio‑security incidents, with appropriate expertise guiding the content and timing of each message.
The Alert as One Component of a Wider Strategy
While the emergency mobile alert is a powerful and immediate channel, NEMA stresses that it is only one element of a comprehensive public‑warning strategy. Price urged citizens not to wait solely for a phone notification before taking action. “In an emergency, we need people to listen to the radio and trust their ‘danger sense’—and take immediate action if they feel unsafe. This is our greatest tool to keep safe.” Complementary sources such as radio broadcasts, official websites, social‑media updates, and community sirens all play a role in delivering timely information and reinforcing the message delivered via the EMA.
Conclusion: Staying Prepared
As the test approaches, New Zealanders are encouraged to verify that their devices are charged and capable of receiving alerts, to consider any personal precautions needed for vulnerable individuals, and to familiarise themselves with the process of muting the alarm while preserving the on‑screen guidance. By treating the test as a routine check—much like a fire drill—the public can help ensure that, should a real emergency arise, the warning system functions flawlessly and the population knows exactly how to respond. The combination of technology, agency coordination, and an informed citizenry remains the cornerstone of New Zealand’s resilience in the face of unforeseen hazards.